Backpacking Guatemala on a Budget

Tikal - Backpacking Guatemala Travel Guide

Guatemala is a special place.  Torn apart by civil war from 1960 to 1996, Guatemala is slowly recovering and is now becoming a must-visit destination in Central America.  Backpacking in Guatemala will reward you with incredible scenery and natural wonders, from volcanoes to limestone pools and huge lakes, strong indigenous cultures and colourful clothes, delicious […]

The Best Things to do in Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala - What to do in Guatemala

Guatemala is one of the most underrated countries I’ve ever been to.  It is a beautiful country with extraordinary natural wonders and man-made structures that will blow your mind.  To help inspire you to visit Guatemala or to help you plan your trip, I’ve picked out the best things to do in Guatemala so you […]

The Best Hostels in Semuc Champey Guatemala

El Retiro Lodge - Best Hostels in Semuc Champey Guatemala. Credit: El Retiro Lodge

Wondering where to stay in Semuc Champey?  I’ve got you covered!  There are several options for Semuc Champey hostels and hotels in and close to Semuc Champey, so I’ve put together this list of what I think are the best hostels in Semuc Champey. Is Semuc Champey Worth It? Semuc Champey is the name of […]

The Acatenango Volcano Hike to see Fuego in Guatemala

Fuego Volcano Spewing Smoke & Ash - The view from Volcano Acatenango

Antigua Guatemala is a lovely city, surrounded by volcanoes.  One of the best things to do in Antigua Guatemala is to hike a volcano, either the live volcano Pacaya, or hike Acatenango Volcano to see Fuego Volcano which is almost always spewing some ash and lava.  It is an incredible sight but the Acatenango volcano […]

What to do in Antigua Guatemala – The Ultimate Antigua City Guide

What to do in Antigua Guatemala - The Arch in Antigua

Why visit Antigua Guatemala?  The jewel in Guatemala’s colonial crown, Antigua manages to combine indigenous Mayan culture with colourful architecture, magnificent crumbling churches, fiery volcanoes and a steady stream of tourists & expats in one gloriously beautiful package.  However, with so much on offer, it can be hard to know what to do in Antigua […]

Hiking A Live Volcano in Antigua Guatemala

Smoking Live Pacaya Volcano near Antigua Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala is a gorgeous town, filled with beautiful buildings and indigenous culture, and surrounded by volcanoes.  Agua Volcano towers about the town, Fuego Volcano spews smoke and lava, Acatenango is a tough hike with glorious views of Fuego, and Pacaya Volcano is still live but a gentler hike.  I was in two minds about […]

Lake Atitlán Guatemala – Your Ultimate Guide!

Lake Atitlan - Backpacking Guatemala Guide

Lake Atitlán is one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen.  Blue water, volcanoes, and indigenous Maya villages dotted around the lake make for a peaceful and fascinating stay!  Just two and a half hours from Antigua, Lake Atitlán is a highlight of any trip to Guatemala, alongside Antigua, Tikal, and Semuc Champey. […]

Hobbitenango – Hobbits in Guatemala’s Middle Earth

How to find the best Backpacker Accommodation Around the World - Hobbitenango in Antigua Guatemala

Did you know there are hobbits in Guatemala?  Well, hobbit holes at least, in Hobbitenango.  Rather like Hobbiton in The Shire of New Zealand, Lord of the Rings fans can now visit Middle Earth in Guatemala.  Set high in the hills above Antigua, Hobbitenango is an eco-friendly Hobbit-themed hotel and restaurant with spectacular views of […]

Cooking Guatemalan Food with La Tortilla Cooking School Antigua

I am attempting to take part in a cooking class in every country I visit.  I have so far only managed a cooking class in Mexico City, Barcelona and La Paz in Bolivia, so I wanted to do a cooking class in Antigua Guatemala.  I had no idea what Guatemalan food was like.  Tortillas, of […]

Tikal Sunrise: Camping at Tikal Guatemala

Tikal Mayan Ruins in Guatemala - Backpacking Guatemala

Tikal Guatemala is the most impressive Mayan ruins I have seen so far, compared to others like Lamanai in Belize for example.  Tikal National Park comes close to Machu Picchu in grandeur, although sadly there is no viewpoint to overlook Tikal, partly because it is surrounded by jungle!  This vast Maya site is actually closer […]